Classroom Guidelines for SC49: Biology
Teacher
Mrs. Moreland
Room SA-2
Phone: 480-472-7092
Email: yamoreland@mpsaz.org
Quality
“Quality is the best you can do, completely finished & on time!”
This is an important concept that will be stressed throughout the year. I expect nothing less from you. If you learn
to do quality work all of the time, you will achieve success in this class while learning science along the way.
Course Description:
Biology is a year long science lab course. You will earn 1 credit towards graduation requirements upon successful
completion. We will investigate the principles that govern living things including scientific method process skills,
classifications, biochemistry, cellular energy, reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, ecological relationships, and
evolution-how things change over time.
Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology (dragon fly) Kenneth Miller and Joseph Levine: Students may choose a traditional
textbook, or use the free on-line version-this option is available to all students, and can be accessed on-line from
any computer with an Internet connection.
Inquiry Activities
 Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills using “hands-on” & “mind’s on” activities.
 Integration of technology
 Experimental and Modeling labs
 Elaborating on meaningful note taking skills
 Outside Projects are a required part of this curriculum.
Materials Needed: (by the next Tuesday) if you cannot obtain any of these supplies by then please see me before
Tuesday.
Composition notebook- quad ruled is preferred, but not mandatory
Black or blue pen- to write assignments
Colored pencils or pens- to create graphical models of data and to revise and focus lecture notes (no markers,
please)
Simple calculator- to perform data analysis
Highlighter-for critical reading exercises
Have all materials out and be ready to work at the beginning of class. A daily agenda will be posted. Prepare as directed.
Written Work
 All work must be done neatly. Work that is not legible will not be accepted. For some assignments, typing is
required. (Computers are available for student use on our campus before and after school)
 Late assignments are NOT accepted. All work are due on the due date. Talk to me before the due date, if
there are an extraneous circumstances.
 All assignments must be completely finished for full credit. If you need help, ask. “I don’t know” is not an
excuse for leaving answers blank. If the assignment is not completely finished it will not be stamped!!!!!!!
 Always use complete sentences.
 No Copying or Plagiarism is tolerated. Students will be required to submit assignments to turnitin.com for
verification.
Grading
 All assignments will be given a point value. Point values will vary depending on the amount of work involved.
Letter grades are based on a percentage (%) of the total points possible.
Comp Book – 30%
Tests – 15%
Participation – 20%
Assessments & Labs – 15%
Projects – 20%
*Disclaimer: Any of these guidelines are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the teacher.
 The grading scale is as follows: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, and 59% and below=F.
Participation/Attendance
A significant part of your grade in biology will come from your individual participation in class and
collaborative work; therefore attendance is important for your success in Biology.
Absent/Make-up Work
 Assignments will be uploaded to my web page’s calendar. Please be sure to check the webpage when you
are absent from class.
 It is the responsibility of the student to take care of any missing work/tests immediately upon returning to
class. (General rule is 2 days for each day of absence).
 Labs and tests will be made up before or after school.
 Unexcused absences= no credit
 10 absences= an audit. You lose credit for the entire semester. (district policy)
Rules for Success
 Be on Time!
 Have necessary materials each day
 Be respectful of all people and things at all times.
 Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed unless specifically requested by the teacher.
Students not honoring this rule will have their device confiscated and submitted to the grade level
administrator.
 Use Biology class for Biology work only.
 Class is dismissed by THE TEACHER, not the BELL!
Your behavior should be considerate and should not disrupt or interfere with the education of other students.
Consequences for Your Choices:
Verbal praise
Phone call or note home
Late homework passes
Super science treats
Good grades
Verbal warning
Student calls parents
Conference with teacher
“Detention Study”
Removal from class
Semester 1
Course Expectations &
Safety & Metrics
Scientific Method &
Characteristics of Life
Cells Structure & Function
Ecology
Biology: Course Syllabus
Semester 2
Cell Reproduction
Structure and Function of
DNA & RNA
Genetics
Biochemistry & Water
Diversity/Classification
Natural Selection &
Change through time
Sexual Reproduction
Health and Wellness
Transport & Energy
Respiration &
Photosynthesis
AVID strategies will also be used in class to enhance your learning.
The course curriculum has been developed in accordance to the Arizona Science Standards.
Extra Credit: Very few extra credit assignments are available. Most are worth 10 points or less. Do not expect “extra credit”
to help you pass this course. Please do not ask. I will tell you when they are available. Extra credit is not intended to replace
assignments that were not completed.
*Disclaimer: Any of these guidelines are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the teacher.